Help
Hi,
I've just moved to Toronto, more specifically Long Branch near Humber Lakeshore, and would love to get some advice from local celiacs. I've only been here a couple days, but am finding gluten free products extremely difficult to find at grocery stores, etc. Does anyone know a good place to shop? Or eat? or any advice to a small town NBer now in the big city.
thanks
Peggy
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Toronto?
New in the GTA and no idea where to find food...
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#1
Pegleg84 
- Community Member
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- Group: Advanced Members
- Posts: 59
- Joined: 18-February 09
Posted 01 May 2009 - 05:47 PM
~ Be a light unto yourself. ~ - The Buddha
- Family members with Celiac: Mother, sister, aunt on mother's side, aunt and uncle on father's side, likely a few cousins.
- on gluten-free diet since March 2009. Bloodwork neg, no official diagnosis, but symptoms improved or eliminated by sticking to the diet.
- Family members with Celiac: Mother, sister, aunt on mother's side, aunt and uncle on father's side, likely a few cousins.
- on gluten-free diet since March 2009. Bloodwork neg, no official diagnosis, but symptoms improved or eliminated by sticking to the diet.
#2
psawyer
- Oliver 1996-2012
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- Joined: 28-December 04
Posted 01 May 2009 - 06:50 PM
Hi, Peggy,
I am in the opposite corner of town from Long Branch. I am in Unionville (Markham) NE of Toronto proper.
I am a celiac, and my wife and I eat gluten-free. We do most of our shopping at Longo's, but frequently shop at Loblaw's or Loblaw Great Food because they have a good selection of gluten-free items. Selection at Loblaw stores varies from location to location, and we shop at three different ones on a regular basis to find what we want. Our local Longo's is carrying more and more gluten-free items, and is always less expensive than Loblaw for the same item.
Chapman's is a specialty store I occasionally shop at. They have one location, at Leslie and York Mills, which is a long way for you to travel.
That should get you started.
Also, consider that many manufacturers will clearly label any gluten source ingredients. This makes it easy to look at their labels and know if the product contains gluten. These are mainstream products available everywhere:
Since you are in Canada, you should know that VH sauces are mostly gluten-free. They are available only in Canada, but are owned by ConAgra and will clearly disclose any source of gluten. Their soy sauce is gluten-free and is widely available in Canada at mainstream stores and prices.
Contact me via PM (or email) if you want to discuss gluten-free in T.O. in more detail.
Welcome to the extended neighborhood called the GTA.
I am in the opposite corner of town from Long Branch. I am in Unionville (Markham) NE of Toronto proper.
I am a celiac, and my wife and I eat gluten-free. We do most of our shopping at Longo's, but frequently shop at Loblaw's or Loblaw Great Food because they have a good selection of gluten-free items. Selection at Loblaw stores varies from location to location, and we shop at three different ones on a regular basis to find what we want. Our local Longo's is carrying more and more gluten-free items, and is always less expensive than Loblaw for the same item.
Chapman's is a specialty store I occasionally shop at. They have one location, at Leslie and York Mills, which is a long way for you to travel.
That should get you started.
Also, consider that many manufacturers will clearly label any gluten source ingredients. This makes it easy to look at their labels and know if the product contains gluten. These are mainstream products available everywhere:
happygirl, on Aug 4 2008, 12:17 PM, said:
Unsafe ingredients: http://www.celiac.com/articles/182/1/Unsaf...ents/Page1.html
Safe ingredients: http://www.celiac.com/articles/181/1/Safe-...ents/Page1.html
A list of companies that has a clear gluten policy. If you don't see "wheat, rye, barley, barley malt, oats" on the labels, its not there, or hidden in "flavors, starches, etc." http://www.glutenfre...lists/index.htm This makes shopping MUCH easier.
FDA foods are required to list wheat - it cannot be hidden.
Rule #1: Never eat anything without reading the label first.
Rule #2: Consistently check labels, even of your favorite products, as product formulations can change.
Rule #3: If you are unsure of an ingredient, or the company's policy on labeling, call the phone number on the back of the product or email the company.
Hope this helps.
Safe ingredients: http://www.celiac.com/articles/181/1/Safe-...ents/Page1.html
A list of companies that has a clear gluten policy. If you don't see "wheat, rye, barley, barley malt, oats" on the labels, its not there, or hidden in "flavors, starches, etc." http://www.glutenfre...lists/index.htm This makes shopping MUCH easier.
FDA foods are required to list wheat - it cannot be hidden.
Rule #1: Never eat anything without reading the label first.
Rule #2: Consistently check labels, even of your favorite products, as product formulations can change.
Rule #3: If you are unsure of an ingredient, or the company's policy on labeling, call the phone number on the back of the product or email the company.
Hope this helps.
Since you are in Canada, you should know that VH sauces are mostly gluten-free. They are available only in Canada, but are owned by ConAgra and will clearly disclose any source of gluten. Their soy sauce is gluten-free and is widely available in Canada at mainstream stores and prices.
Contact me via PM (or email) if you want to discuss gluten-free in T.O. in more detail.
Welcome to the extended neighborhood called the GTA.
Peter
Diagnosis by biopsy of practically non-existent villi; gluten-free since July 2000.
Type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes diagnosed in March 1986
Markham, Ontario (borders on Toronto)
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator
Diagnosis by biopsy of practically non-existent villi; gluten-free since July 2000.
Type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes diagnosed in March 1986
Markham, Ontario (borders on Toronto)
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator
#3
Pegleg84
- Community Member
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- Group: Advanced Members
- Posts: 59
- Joined: 18-February 09
Posted 03 May 2009 - 07:31 AM
Thanks for the help. I did have much better luck yesterday, when I found my local health food store, which had a limited but good selection of gluten-free products. I'm sure I'll find where to get everything I need eventually.
thanks
thanks
~ Be a light unto yourself. ~ - The Buddha
- Family members with Celiac: Mother, sister, aunt on mother's side, aunt and uncle on father's side, likely a few cousins.
- on gluten-free diet since March 2009. Bloodwork neg, no official diagnosis, but symptoms improved or eliminated by sticking to the diet.
- Family members with Celiac: Mother, sister, aunt on mother's side, aunt and uncle on father's side, likely a few cousins.
- on gluten-free diet since March 2009. Bloodwork neg, no official diagnosis, but symptoms improved or eliminated by sticking to the diet.
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